Chinese League of Legends team RNG finds a new sponsor in KFC

Fried chicken all around—Chinese League of Legends Pro League team Royal Never Give Up announced a sponsorship deal this week with fast food chain KFC.

RNG posted the announcement on Chinese media site Weibo this week alongside an absolutely epic promotional graphic. Imagine it: a glowing sun back-lights eight League of Legends players, only the sun is a glimmering, golden piece of fried chicken. The Esports Observer reported today that the partnership is a one-year deal. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

RNG is also sponsored by Mercedes-Benz, Lynx, and Logitech G. KFC is another big name for the Chinese League team; market research firm Millward Brown declared KFC the “most powerful foreign brand” in China as of 2013. The restaurant has continued to be popular in the country, with a reported market share of 11.6 percent as of 2016, according to Euromonitor International. (McDonald’s has a 5.6 percent market share, Business Insider reported.) KFC has more than 5,000 restaurants in China.

Restaurant partnerships are popping up more frequently in esports and League; in June, Riot Games announced sub sandwich franchise Jersey Mike’s as a sponsor for the North American League of Legends Championship Series Summer Split. Fast casual food chain Chipotle is also involved in esports with a house sponsorship for TSM’s Fortnite: Battle Royale team.